|
Author
|
Topic: looking at '55 F100?'s
|
tomstir
Gearhead Posts: 109
From: San Jose CA USA
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 12-07-2001 10:24 AM
   
Hey gang....I found an add in the local paper for a '55 F100 and am going to look at it on Saturday...I was wondering if anyone has any pointers or trouble areas to look for? I found out after talking to him for a few minutes that his girlfriend is good friends with my old roomate (she moved out 2 months ago) so hopefully he will be honest about the truck with me. Here's the info that I got from our phone call....
he found it in a barn about a year ago and was going to rebuild it..he has done 2 already...but wants to build a custom Harley.
It had been sitting since 1975 and is all original with no rust (he said even the running boards are in excellent shape) and just a few minor dents and dings. It has the original 6 cylinder motor and a complete but worn interior...seats, steering wheel and the floorpans are great...he says that he never even tried to turn the motor over because he was going to change everything anyway. Are these 6volt? What size (displacement) should the motor be? Are there a lot of non reproduced expensive parts for these trucks? I have always wanted a 50's truck and don't know anything about them. I have two other projects that I need to work on but I have kicked myself for passing on other deals in the past and I don't want to miss another opportunity. Any help from you will be greatly appreciated! Oh yea...what would be a fair price for the truck...he said he paid $1000.00 for it? I now the best place for answers is in these forums... you guys and gals have always come through for me in the past. Thanks in advance. Tomstir
IP: Logged |
Dave Witthoeft
Gearhead Posts: 2014
From: IL.
Registered: Dec 2000
|
posted 12-07-2001 05:52 PM
I'm not up on old trucks, but you might also want to check out Hemmings, or Old Cars Weekly. They have good clasified sections that should help you with pricing. My mom has a 50 ford car and thats six volt. And my friend has a 55 T-Bird and that is six volt to. Hope that helps.------------------
MCA# 48755
71 Mach 1
69 Fastback
92 F-150
M&M#884
IP: Logged |
SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 36138
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
|
posted 12-10-2001 07:41 PM
Wasn't the turning point for 6v/12v 1964-1965?------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L DOHC
My Photo Page
Christmas shopping? Why not use the Mustangsandmore.com Bookstore?
IP: Logged |
68F100
Gearhead Posts: 2111
From: Fort Madison, Iowa USA - United We Stand
Registered: Oct 99
|
posted 12-15-2001 02:37 AM
Yeah. It should be a 6 volt system, but I hear the 12 volt conversion is fairly simple. As far as looking for other flaws, it's basically the same as other vehicles. Check for bondo/rust. Definitely check out underneath for rust. I'd take a good look at things like brakes and whatnot too. The truck is almost 50 years old. I wouldn't pay more than a grand for a truck that doesn't run or isn't complete. If it's complete, straight, rust free and you have the money and desire to fix it up, I say go for it. If you put a Chebby engine in it though like so many others do, I'll hunt you down and kill ya.
IP: Logged |
68F100
Gearhead Posts: 2111
From: Fort Madison, Iowa USA - United We Stand
Registered: Oct 99
|
posted 12-15-2001 02:45 AM
Oh yeah...check out www.lmctruck.com and order a free catalog. They have lots of parts for the old F-series. Also you can get catalogs from Mac's Auto. www.macsautoparts.com and www.dennis-carpenter.com
IP: Logged |
SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 36138
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
|
posted 12-15-2001 08:47 PM
quote:
Originally posted by 68F100:
If you put a Chebby engine in it though like so many others do, I'll hunt you down and kill ya.
No, Tom is ALOT smarter than that!  ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L DOHC Christmas shopping? Why not use the
M&M Bookstore?
IP: Logged |
Fastymz
Moderator Posts: 13447
From: Reno Nv USA MEM#1240
Registered: Apr 2001
|
posted 12-17-2001 08:13 PM
Tom did you gett he truck and if you did how much.I've helped my pops inlaw for the last 2 years work on his 55 f100.He paid $4000.for his it already had the 12v,system and a 8"ford rear.He put in a all new wiring,gauges,interior,frontend was replaced with a mustangII set up with power steering,He and his son and I did all the work to the truck.It has a new motor and trans too.Its been loads of fun and it's one cool truck to run around in.If theres any question I can help you with I'll try my best and ask my inlaws too.P.S. This summer he was offered $15,000 for the truck,and it still needs body work and paint.He's been smiling ever since that offer was made.SCOOP ------------------
65 coupe,351w,RPM intake,Carter625,shorty headers,2.5 exhaust, Flowmasters, C4,open 8" 2:80,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,Crager SS,Black Suede.
MEM#1240 https://mustangsandmore.com/ubb/Fastymz.html
IP: Logged |
TomP
Gearhead Posts: 4968
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
|
posted 12-19-2001 05:23 AM
it'll be 6V, but a 56 is 12V. It's a valuable truck... and this may come as a surprise, but they've stopped making them!  Get 'em while they last  The engine, if a V8, is probably a 272 Y-Block. So Cal Pickups, and many others near you offer parts for those trucks. search the phone book or on the internet for places(i'm assuming you have access?  )
IP: Logged |
tomstir
Gearhead Posts: 109
From: San Jose CA USA
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 12-20-2001 08:41 AM
Hey gang----Thanks for the replies....I need to get back here more often than I have been. I looked at the truck on Saturday and it is a V8. He said that after we talked on the phone he went out to look because he wasn't sure, he said he bought the car a year ago and it has been sitting in his yard since. The only rust that I saw was between the running boards and fender...he had the fenders and boards off and in the bed so there was plenty of access to the parts. The only dent that I saw was at the top of the tailgate. The front grill looks like someone filled in the holes for what I assume is the FORD letters. The engine doesn't have an air cleaner and a single barrel carb. The exhaust goes from the left bank around the front of the motor and then connects to the right bank and then to the back of the truck. The interior looks old but untouched/molested. The bench seat doesn't have any rips and the floor pans look solid. The dash looks extremely clean. The one question I had about the interior is the headliner and rear panels look like pegboard. In the center of the headliner it looks like someone punched a hole with their fist...the owner said there was a CB unit there and it was common for people to place them there. Oh yea one question..there is a button to the left of the steering column and the owner said that he thinks that is for the starter, does that seem correct? I drove by his house the other night and the truck was still there....I will be taking my friend over as an extra pair of eyes after the holidays to look at it again...if it is still there. 68F100--I went to Didgeytruckers (sorry if I misspelled your name) site and his links and there was an article about the 6-12V change and they described it as pretty simple. Like I said before I have two projects still waiting for my lazy butt...plus I don't have a place to store it...It's just that I have always wanted a 50's truck...I'm going to try to talk my grandma into letting me store it at her place!! Oh yea...don't even worry about a Chebby enging!!!! I wouldn't even want to paint it a Chebby color....I bleed FORD DARK CORPORATE BLUE!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the links, they might come in handy!! SteveLaRiviere--Thanks for the vote of confidence!!!! Fastymz--I might be asking some questions...thanks for the offer...do you have any pictures? TomP---Yea..that's a good selling point. I have always liked the looks and style of the 50's and 60's cars...thanks for the push into debt!! PS...I'm also a TomP so it's kinda weird seeing those letters on a post!! Maybe I'll scare the grrrrls and blame it on you!!!! Thanks all for the responses and help...I'll keep you up to date..please feel free to add more info/hints if you have them. Tomstir (the other TomP)
IP: Logged |
Fastymz
Moderator Posts: 13447
From: Reno Nv USA MEM#1240
Registered: Apr 2001
|
posted 12-22-2001 06:21 PM
Tom,no pics right now.I'll try and get some,and have Steve help get them posted.We are going to be installing new door and wing glass.New weather stripping and seals.Next mo,thats going to make it look alot better,right now it has plexi glass door windows.SCOOP ------------------
65 coupe,351w,RPM intake,Carter625,shorty headers,2.5 exhaust, Flowmasters,C4,open 8" 2:80,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,Crager SS,Black Suede.
MEM#1240 https://mustangsandmore.com/ubb/Fastymz.html
IP: Logged |
rovic
Journeyman Posts: 7
From: columbus,mississippi usasales
Registered: Feb 2002
|
posted 02-17-2002 01:01 PM
I' m new to the board,but i'm doing frame off rebuild/streetrodding a '53 so i will be glad to help in any way i can.
IP: Logged |
68F100
Gearhead Posts: 2111
From: Fort Madison, Iowa USA - United We Stand
Registered: Oct 99
|
posted 02-17-2002 05:41 PM
Welcome to M&M rovic. This is a great place. Check out Sam's Place Forum and say hi. 
Hey Tomstir, did ya get the truck?
IP: Logged |
MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3578
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
|
posted 02-17-2002 08:39 PM
Hi,Rovic! Welcome to M&M! Tell us about your truck.
IP: Logged |
Fastymz
Moderator Posts: 13447
From: Reno Nv USA MEM#1240
Registered: Apr 2001
|
posted 02-18-2002 02:50 AM
quote:
Originally posted by rovic:
I' m new to the board,but i'm doing frame off rebuild/streetrodding a '53 so i will be glad to help in any way i can.
Welcome to M&M.
Streetrodding your 53 hoping your going all Ford.
You'll almost have a one of a kind. SCOOP ------------------
65 coupe,351w,RPM intake,Carter625,shorty headers,2.5 exhaust, Flowmasters,C4,open 8" 2:80,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,Crager SS,Black Suede.
MEM#1240 https://mustangsandmore.com/ubb/Fastymz.html
IP: Logged |
rovic
Journeyman Posts: 7
From: columbus,mississippi usasales
Registered: Feb 2002
|
posted 02-18-2002 08:22 PM
To all interested in my '53.I paid $1500.00 for the truck.I have completely disassembled the truck,every nut ,bolt,and screw.Frame was sandblasted,installed mustang 11 type front end(fatman),granada rotors ,'82, mustang calipers,booster,master cylinder and pedal ,used'85 t-bird p/s rack&pinion, and 84 gran marquis tilt column.Rear suspension is '71 torino 9" w/3.25 and '72 chevy truck trailing arms with afco coils(std stockcar setup),used '69 mustang gas tank moved to rear of frame.I'm in the prosess of building a 302/c6 power train .The body was plastic media blasted ,I replaced rh cab corner,filled cowl vent,old fuel tank opening,filled all seams on cab,repaired rusty spots in floor and just for the heck of it frenched a power antenae in rh side of cab.Now i'm block sanding cab getting ready for paint.And this is my first try at this!
IP: Logged |
Fastymz
Moderator Posts: 13447
From: Reno Nv USA MEM#1240
Registered: Apr 2001
|
posted 02-18-2002 09:17 PM
Rovic sounds good,all Ford power is always cool.SCOOP ------------------
65 coupe,351w,RPM intake,Carter625,shorty headers,2.5 exhaust, Flowmasters,C4,open 8" 2:80,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,Crager SS,Black Suede.
MEM#1240 https://mustangsandmore.com/ubb/Fastymz.html
IP: Logged |
MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3578
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
|
posted 02-18-2002 09:31 PM
Sounds cool! Send some pics when you can.
IP: Logged |
Dad Vishus
Gearhead Posts: 613
From: Moscow, Iowa, USA
Registered: Dec 2001
|
posted 02-19-2002 02:16 PM
The motor in this truck is definitely a Y-block. Probably a 272. My Dad had a 56 F100 that had the same exhaust arrangement. There was no room on the drivers side for an exhaust pipe due to the location of tne steering box. I drove that truck alot in my teenage years. I went nuts trying to figure out how to put duals on it, and never did. That pipe over the top of the front of the motor was a problem in hot weather. All that heat was forced right to the carb by the fan. Made the gas boil when the truck sat for a while. The stock carb was a 2 barrel which could be mistaken for a single. It was very tall. Dad replaced the 272 with a rebuilt 292 short block. The 272 had outside oil lines for the rockers and used a lot of oil. That 292 with the 3.90 gears and 3 speed ran fairly hard. I also found a 57 Merc. intake that an AFB would bolt up to. That combo would whip up on a 283 Chebby anytime. I think I tore up about 3 cluster gears before my Dad got tired of it and traded the truck on a 6 banger Ranchero. Anyway, those are classic trucks, all the 53-56s. They don't make em like that anymore. Good luck on the 55. By the way, the engine compartment is huge on those. I'd bet a 460 would slide right in.
IP: Logged |
tomstir
Gearhead Posts: 109
From: San Jose CA USA
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 02-20-2002 07:48 AM
Hey gang--thanks for the responses...I never did buy the truck..last time I went by his house it wasn't there....could be in the garage. I ended up buying another 64 Falcon...cool little Sprint 260 with factory 4-speed! Rovic--sounds like a great truck you have going there...I would like to see it when you finish!!!the other TomP
always looking
IP: Logged |
Mustangsandmore Forums
UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! 
